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Best Practice and School Policy

Practical tips for teachers

The National Survey of Schools in the UK confirmed that the rising numbers of multiple birth children are now in the school system. Most teachers will have to consider the needs of multiple birth children and their families. Schools in the national survey tended to generalise from their own previous experiences of multiples and or stereotypes portrayed the media.

When multiples are registered for school it is important to consult with the parents and to assess the children. The downloadable questionnaire is helpful for the initial consultation. Remember to:

• Identify the children by name
• Assess and treat the children as individuals
• Bear in mind that they may be affected emotionally by being a multiple e.g. upset if their co-multiple is upset, competing against their co-multiple rather than their peers
• Give both children messages and letters to take home
• Arrange separate parental consultations ? do not compare one to the detriment of the other
• Be sensitive when children are given reading books particularly if one child hasn?t started reading
• Be flexible
• Highlight the positive aspects of being a multiple